The NFL has had some notable quarterbacks playing over the years. Russell Wilson is one of the most lethal dual-threat quarterbacks playing in the league currently. Wilson is was playing for the Denver Broncos in 2023 but was let go at the end of the season. He will next be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
He used to be the starting quarterback for the Seahawks till the 2021 season. The quarterback has been playing in the NFL since 2012 and led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl win in 2014. Wilson won the Bart Starr Award in 2022 for his performances in the Seahawks jersey. Wilson played professional baseball prior to his career in the NFL.
Russell Wilson’s Early Life and Background
Russell Wilson was born on November 29th, 1988 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Wilson graduated from Stone Bridge High School in Virginia where he was given the honor of all-region, all-district, and all-state player (for football).
He joined North Carolina State University and played as the starting quarterback. However, he was often at odds with his football coach Tom O’Brien as he also continued to play baseball. Wilson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball in 2010. Due to differences with O’Brien, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his final year of collegiate eligibility. Wilson enjoyed an outstanding senior year, leading the Badgers to the Big 10 conference title while setting an NCAA record for passing efficiency
Russell Wilson NFL Draft
Russell Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 NFL Draft. He was the 75th overall pick and was selected in the third round of the Draft. Wilson, who is 5 feet 11 inches, was considered to be short for a quarterback, which led him to be the sixth quarterback pick. Linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Andrew Luck, and linebacker Bobby Wagner are some of the prominent players who were drafted along with Wilson in 2012.
Russell Wilson’s NFL Journey
Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in 2012. Wilson had to compete with Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson for the starting spot. The Ohio native was named the Rookie of the Year in 2012 as he helped the Seahawks end the season with a five-game winning streak and he also threw a total of 26 touchdowns that season.
He helped the Seahawks claim an NFC West title in the following season. The Seahawks made it to Super Bowl XLVIII and Russell Wilson became only the fourth quarterback to win a Super Bowl in his second season in the NFL. He made two touchdown passes in the 43-8 routing of the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl match.
He helped the Seahawks reach a consecutive Super Bowl in the 2014 season with stellar performances. The Seahawks ended up losing the Vince Lombardi trophy to the New England Patriots. Wilson signed an $87.6 million deal with the Seahawks in 2015 which has been followed by a $140 million contract extension in 2018. Wilson missed the first game of his career on October 15th, 2021 since he broke his finger. This ended his streak of 149 consecutive games by a quarterback (6th longest of all time).
Wilson has had a very successful NFL career and continues to perform even now. He was traded to the Denver Broncos after there were rumors he didn’t approve of the team firing coach Mike Solari and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. He signed a five-year extension with the Broncos but sadly things didn’t work out and he will now be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
Russell Wilson’s Teams
Seattle Seahawks (2012-2021)
Russell Wilson was a third-round pick by the Seahawks but he overtook more experienced quarterbacks like Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson to become a starting quarterback for the team in his first season. Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory in only his second season with the team. As a Seahawks player Wilson has the most wins by an NFL quarterback through nine seasons (98). He has maintained a career passer rating of over 100. Wilson has recently won the Bart Starr Award in 2022.
Denver Broncos (2022-2023)
Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos along with a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks. The Seattle outfit traded him for two second-round picks, one fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant.
Wilson received a signing bonus of $70 million for a four-year contract with the Broncos. Wilson’s first season with the Broncos was a departure from the success he was used to with the Seahawks. The Broncos had the worst offense of the season with Wilson having passed for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions along with 55 carries for 277 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 2022 season. He was the most sacked quarterback of the 2022-23 NFL season.
Wilson’s struggles continued in the 2023 season as he and the team got off to a dismal start going 1-5 in their first 6 games before making somewhat of a comeback. However, they still ended up missing the playoffs and Wilson was let go by the Broncos at the end of the season.
Championships and Rings Won by Russell Wilson
He has won one Super Bowl ring in his career by winning the Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. He has also won two Conference Championship rings in 2013 and 2014.
Russell Wilson’s Super Bowl Rings
Russell Wilson NFL Records
Most passing yards in a playoff game by a rookie: 385
Most number of wins by a quarterback through 9 seasons: 98
Russell Wilson Net Worth
Russell WIlson is worth approximately $165 million which includes his NFL earnings, performance bonuses, and restructures. He has also added to his net worth by signing a contract worth $140 million in 2019 with the Seahawks. For the 2024 season, Wilson is expected to earn around $39 million.
Russell Wilson Family
Russell Wilson has two siblings (a brother and a sister). He was married to his high school sweetheart Ashton Meem in 2012 but they divorced in 2014. Wilson is currently married to the famous singer Ciara, since 2016. They have a daughter Sienna Princess and a son Win Harrison together. He is also a stepfather to Ciara’s children from previous relationships, Future Zahir Wilburn.
Russell Wilson Brothers
Russell Wilson’s brother Harrison Wilson IV is the eldest of the Wilson siblings. He is one of the most ardent supporters of Russell Wilson. He works for a Chicago based medical device manufacturer. The former Seahawks signal caller has often credited his elder brother for helping him on his way to becoming an NFL player.
Ciara is an American R&B singer-songwriter and Russell Wilson’s wife. She dances and models as well. Her birthplace was Austin, Texas. Before pursuing a solo music career, she began her musical career with the female group Hearsay. Her debut album, Goodies, was an enormous hit. One of the top hits of 2004 was the album’s title song, “Goodies.” She received triple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America and received four nominations for the album at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards (RIAA).
Leave a Reply